Manila, Feb. 18 -- Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete urged the faithful on Wednesday to view the Lenten season as an opportunity for repentance, transformation, and reconnecting with the Lord.

Cortes said in his homily during the Ash Wednesday concelebrated Mass that he presided over at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral that believers are to give up their ways and practices that separate them from God.

He emphasized that Lent signifies a period for fasting, prayer, and charity, but this should not be confined only to the seasonal religious practice.

"This is the moment when we are provided with a means to restore our connection with God through these practices, but I hope that we will not confine this only to 40 ...